Month: October 2016

Every month I send out my parliamentary newsletter to hundreds of subscribers to my mailing list. This is meant as a round up of some of my activities over the previous month and to highlight issues and campaigns that might be of interest to constituents in Glasgow South West. You can view the October edition of my newsletter, and subscribe to future editions, by clicking here. Below are some of the highlights from my August newsletter.

Protecting Scotland’s Interests

Since the EU Referendum result, it’s become clearer and clearer that the UK Government haven’t a clue how they want to negotiate with the European Union. The soundbite is “Brexit Means Brexit”, but no-one in Downing Street seems to know what means what. Scotland’s First Minister has clearly set out that our future lies as part of the EU and Single Market, and the UK’s lack of a credible plan is putting this in jeopardy. It seems increasingly likely that only a referendum on independence can secure our place in the European family of nations and protect workers’ rights.

Plaid Cymru 2016

I was honoured to be asked to address the Annual Conference on our sister party, Plaid Cymru, recently in Llangollen. The SNP and Plaid are working closely together at Westminster to provide the effective opposition to the Tory Government. You can view my speech on YouTube by clicking the picture above.

My Constituency Office – Here to help!

My constituency office is open at 1612 – 1614 Paisley Road West, G52 3QN. You can drop in any time between 9am and 5pm Mon – Fri, with late opening until 6pm on a Thursday. First Bus services 9/9A and 34 and McGills 38 pass right by the office, while First Bus 10 stops a short walk away. Mosspark and Cardonald rail stations are nearby. There is also ample parking around the back of the office.

My staff team are here to help you with whatever issues you have. I can’t promise we’ll get results every time – but we’ll try our best every time.

The Warm Home Discount scheme means £140 off your electricity bill if you are on certain qualifying benefits. If you receive the Guaranteed Element of Pension Credit you should receive this automatically. You may also qualify if you receive certain other means-tested benefits – but you won’t receive it automatically. If you think you might qualify, check your supplier’s website for details and how to apply.

Great to welcome to the constituency office last week MSYPs from the Official Scottish Youth Parliament highlighting the #SYPSpeakYourMind campaign on young people’s mental health. The Scottish Government have pledged nearly £25m over the next four years to help improve child and adolescent mental health services, but more can always be done to help support and tackle these vital issues. It was good to find out more about the SYP campaign and how elected members can help promote the services available to young people.

Very pleased to announce that the first of the Greater Pollok Citizens Advice Bureau outreach advice sessions will be happening at my constituency office at 1612 – 1614 Paisley Road West on Friday 21st October, 10am – 1pm. The CAB provide an outstanding service on a huge variety of financial and personal issues, and working alongside my office on a regular basis means you get the best service possible.

Delighted that last Friday’s Macmillan Cancer Support Scotland coffee morning hosted by myself and Humza Yousaf at our constituency office raised £300 from all the attendees and donors. Our grateful thanks to everyone who came along, and particularly everyone who helped out with cakes and supplies on the day!